To fill the void left with Akira's departure, I went to the Friends’ Centre to visit Irma with a few more items of clothing. I knew that being in the vicinity of the Holy Trinity Cathedral would be heartwrenching, but at the same time, I felt the urge to see the tall, solid, red brick spire. The warm sunshine felt comforting on my cheeks as I bicycled east along Hankow Road.

Irma greeted me with a jubilant look. ‘Have you heard the news? The fighting in Europe has ended! Deutschland has unconditionally surrendered. For us Jews, the defeat of Hitler is like a dream come true. There is much rejoicing in the Designated Area.’

She suddenly covered her mouth. ‘Eiko Liebling I realize this may not be good news for your country.’

I shook my head, and smiled. ‘It is wonderful news for you, Irma, and it may mean that war in this part of the world will also end soon. That is good news.’

Irma patted my hands. ‘Yes. But in the meantime, here in Shanghai, my beauty sleep still gets disrupted with air-raid alarms, and it might get worse before it gets better.’

Friday, 11 May

There was a tiny notice in this morning's paper that Japanese men not yet called up would be summoned for ten days of military training. I didn't think it would affect Hiro because of his work at the factory. But when he came home, I learned I was wrong.

‘I’m to report for duty on Monday morning,’ he said. Sensing my concern, he added, ‘It's for all men not called up. Better than going to war.’

But this was different from reservist training, and I couldn't help wondering whether it might be a prelude to being drafted. I must be prepared for all eventualities.

Sunday 13 May

Today, Hiro's last day before military training, was the much-anticipated Li Koran concert – Akira now missing from the party that consisted of Cheeko and Daisuke and us.